The 122nd Squadron (“Nachshon”), known as the IAF’s ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) squadron, operates two “Nachshon” aircraft models: “Shavit” (Gulfstream G500) and “Eitam” (Gulfstream G550). Today, the squadron welcomed the newest member of the Nachshon family: the “Oron”.

“The 'Oron' is yet another manifestation of the growing effectiveness of the IAF”, said the commander of the IAF, Major General Amikam Norkin. "The aircraft adds another layer to the IAF's current operational and strategic capabilities, which enable continued air superiority in the Middle East and the ability to defend Israel's skies and ensure its security."

“The aircraft combines multiple capabilities, including aerial imaging, control and radar, and collecting maritime intelligence for the Navy,” explains Maj. I, Deputy Commander of the 122nd Squadron. “Most of these capabilities already exist in our squadron and in the 'Maof Rahav' unit, but with the new aircraft we have managed to condense them all into a single flight deck”.

Although the “Oron” looks similar to “Eitam”, its systems are more advanced and allow for a wider range of missions. “The big improvement is in its general capabilities and diversity of tasks it can perform”, says Maj. i. “The aircraft combines the capabilities of the 'Eitam' and 'Shavit', Fighter Division reconnaissance aircraft and advanced air-to-surface radar aircraft. The plane is not only significant to the Squadron and the IAF, but is an important asset to the entire IDF: it will conduct ISR missions for the Navy using unique systems, all in cooperation with the IDF Directorate of Intelligence and the 'Maof Rahav' unit. '. This is a plane that accommodates the three branches of the Israeli army.”

As stated by Maj. I, the “Oron” can stay in the air for long periods, fly farther than other reconnaissance aircraft, and keep a larger crew on board. “The plane is also capable of carrying intelligence personnel who analyze data in real time. This allows the crew to be independent and come back from a mission with a fully complete result.

The aircraft procurement process began several years ago at IAF headquarters. In recent years, the American aeronautical company Gulfstream Aerospace has manufactured the aircraft in the United States and conducted extensive test flights to ensure its flight readiness. “A crew from our squadron flew to the US to fly the aircraft and ensure it met our requirements before landing in Israel,” shares Maj. i. "Over the next two years, the plane will go through a process of installing mission systems, and then it arrives in the squadron as an operational aircraft."

“We started to think about how the aircraft will be integrated into the squadron. The absorption process raises a number of questions – How will the new aircraft affect the squadron's organizational structure? Do we need to establish a new department? What units will the new department include? “, continues Maj. i.” We must operationally familiarize ourselves with the aircraft. Its basic flight mechanics are similar to those of the G550, but contain different systems. Therefore, we need to adjust our flying technique for the various missions. Beyond In addition, we will need to build tactics and doctrines for the new aircraft – in terms of altitude, angles, speed, etc.”